SACRAMENTO — Rev. Samuel Rodriguez, president of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference (NHCLC), releases the following statement in reaction to the passing of evangelist Luis Palau:

“When I think of how to describe Luis Palau, the first thing that comes to mind is his joy. His radiant smile, his enthusiasm, his energy came from a deep love for Jesus and a passion for sharing grace and truth with anyone who would listen.

“Although Luis would not desire to glorify himself, we celebrate his faithfulness: because of his obedience over a lifetime, more than 1 billion people around the world have heard the Gospel.

“Luis has received the victor’s crown, the ‘Well done, good and faithful servant’ from his Savior. Though he is rejoicing in heaven, he will be sorely missed here. His friendship and mentorship meant more to me than words can adequately express. My prayers are with the Palau family in this difficult time.”

From Albuquerque, Pastor Skip Heitzig, Calvary Church:

“Luis Palau has just graduated to heaven. What a powerhouse he was! As an evangelist, he preached the gospel across the globe to more than 25 million people in 72 countries. Luis lived what he preached. He once said, ‘When you face weariness, carelessness, and confusion, don’t pray for an easier life. Pray instead to be a stronger man or woman of God.’ After his battle with cancer, Luis entered into his eternal reward. Please pray for his wife, Pat, and his sons Andrew, Kevin, Keith, and their families.”

From Rocklin, California, John Jackson, president of William Jessup University:

“In an age of movie superheroes, Luis Palau was and is a real-life hero of the faith. Luis preached the gospel of Jesus Christ to millions and was a father of the faith to thousands of Christian leaders around the world. It was my great honor to be with Luis on a number of occasions including those times of preparation for his Reno Festival in 2004 and his Sacramento Festival in 2012. I never had an experience with Luis that was not full of the love of Jesus Christ, a passion to reach the world with the good news of God’s love, and an unfailing concern for his family and ministry. We celebrate Luis’s life and pray for the comfort and encouragement of his family.”

From Colorado Springs, Colorado, by James C. Dobson, Ph.D.

I am so saddened to hear of the passing of international evangelist Luis Palau. He was a beloved friend whom God used to reach millions of people with the gospel message, and I will miss him dearly. Over the years, I was blessed to hear countless stories of salvation from Luis as he brought our listeners up to date regarding his crusades and ministry efforts. His passion for sharing Jesus Christ around the world was immeasurable. As a result of Luis’ obedience to the Great Commission, there will be innumerable more people in heaven. Shirley and I send our prayers to Luis’ wife, Pat, his sons Kevin, Keith, Andrew, and Stephen, and their families.

For media inquiries, contact press@thekcompany.co.

About the Luis Palau Association

For more than 60 years the Luis Palau Association (palau.org) has existed to proclaim the Good News, unite the Church, and impact cities worldwide. In addition to citywide evangelistic festivals and an ever-growing global network of evangelists, the team also uses a far-reaching media ministry including online Bible training and daily radio shows on 5,539 radio outlets in 59 countries and a social media community of nearly 20 million followers hearing daily Gospel messages and encouragement. The Palau Association has had the opportunity to work with thousands of churches in hundreds of cities around the world, including nine top global cities: London, Hong Kong, Singapore, Chicago, Moscow, Madrid, Mexico City, Buenos Aires, and Washington D.C. They also have strong international experience with extensive ethnic and cultural understanding.

CONTACT: Jay Fordice, 503-341-2297, jay.fordice@palau.org

Read more news on Luis Palau and World Missions on Missions Box.